If you’ve been looking into Japan’s digital nomad visa, you’ll know one of the key requirements is having private medical insurance. Here’s what you need to know and some options to get you started.
A short but important disclaimer: Getting private insurance is important, but we can’t make the decision for you. We can only provide information to hopefully make that decision a bit easier. Also, please note that we do not sell or provide insurance ourselves.
Do I need insurance?
The government is still detailing the fine points of the digital nomad visa, but the short answer is a hard yes. One of the requirements for the visa is insurance that covers death, injury and illness.
While there are companies in Japan that provide private health insurance, you’ll need to arrange coverage before you apply for the visa if you want to be accepted. That can be difficult if you don’t speak Japanese, and most places won’t be able to mail forms to you. Therefore, the most practical option is arranging it outside of the country.
Health insurance options at a glance
The prices here are based on 29- and 40-year-old adults from the US with no pre-existing health conditions.
Online sources recommend purchasing an insurance plan that includes coverage for accidental death, medical evacuation and repatriation, so we’ve introduced plans that include these benefits.
| Insurance Policy | Underwritten by | Duration of cover | Approximate price per day (29 yo/40yo) | Additional benefits | More information & purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Explorer by Insured Nomads | HDI Global Speciality SE | Between 7 and 364 days | US$2.87/US$5.73 | Emergency pet transportation, lost luggage cover, you can purchase coverage for marine activities and extreme sports. | Here |
| Nomad Insurance Essential by SafetyWing | Lloyd’s | Up to 12 months | US$1.83/US$3.00 | Continued coverage back home, accommodation for travel delays, injuries from leisure sports and activities. | Here |
| Atlas Nomads by World Trips | Lloyd’s | Up to 12 months | US$1.87/US$3.00 | Lost luggage, travel delay, lost or stolen passport/visa, natural disaster, personal liability | Here |
| World Nomads Explorer by World Nomads | Nationwide | Up to 180 days | US$6.60/US$6.60 | Adventure sports, optional policy cancellation, and travel insurance covering delays, trip cancellations, documents, and lost baggage. | Here |
Digital nomad travel insurance providers
World Explorer by Insured Nomads
World Explorer by Insured Nomads offers a solid, affordable health insurance plan for Japan-bound nomads. It comes with several benefits and customizable options to give you exactly the cover you need.
Coverage under Insured Nomads starts at around US$2.87 a day for under-30s and US$5.73 at 40. However, you can lower your deductible or increase the amount of coverage if you think you’ll need it.
Coverage can be taken out all the way to 364 days, after which you’ll need to renew your plan if you intend to stay in the country. At each renewal, you’ll have the chance to update and edit your plan to accommodate any new needs. Amongst their extras are transportation for pets, and optional cover for extreme sports or marine activities for thrillseekers.
Nomad Insurance by SafetyWing
Nomad Insurance Essential by SafetyWing is a travel medical insurance policy that covers a wide range of potential issues while you’re abroad.
Their coverage costs around US$1.83 a day for under-40s and US$3.00 for those in their 40s, with other prices for older travelers. The basic plan covers a range of circumstances, such as emergency dental care, extended care after hospital, motor accidents, lost luggage, and stolen passports. They also offer optional added coverage, including US coverage, adventure sports, and electronics theft. The plans are billed monthly or upfront and last for up to 364 days.
Atlas Nomads by World Trips
Atlas Nomads is a travel medical insurance plan from World Trips, a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies.
In addition to the medical benefits, travel benefits include trip interruption, travel delay, and lost luggage or passports. Atlas Nomads also offers travel assistance services such as embassy referrals, translation, and interpretation services.
What’s not covered are things like most adventure sports and pre-existing medical conditions. They also don’t offer optional extras. The policy has an overall maximum limit of $250,000 USD, and the 3-month plan costs around US$1.87 per day for 29-year-olds and US$3.00 for 40-year-olds. The plan covers trips up to 12 months in length, and gives you the option of paying for the whole trip upfront or on a monthly basis.
World Nomads Explorer by World Nomads
The World Nomads Explorer plan by World Nomads is built for its name. Designed for travelers who want to explore, it offers a solid insurance policy with plenty of riskier sports and activities covered.
To make this possible, the plan lands on the upper end of the spectrum, price wise. Cover costs around US$6.60 per day for both under-30s and 40-year-olds. Almost all healthcare is included, from emergency visits to checkups for minor illnesses.
The Explorer plan shows its strengths on the activities front, however, with over 250 sporting activities covered. Their extras lean towards enjoying your travel, with baggage and travel insurance bundled in. If you’re happy to forgo some of the extra benefits of the Explorer plan, World Nomads also offers their Standard plan for around US$4.20 per day for a 3-month policy.
FAQs
Questions? We answer.
Do these digital nomad insurance packages cover COVID-19?
You’ll have to check the precise terms and conditions for the answer, but as a general rule, the insurers on this list will cover COVID-19 treatments. However, COVID-19 vaccinations are less frequently covered, so check in with the provider before buying if you want them.
Who do I get in touch with if I need to use my digital nomad insurance? Do I have a contact point?
These insurers all offer 24/7 emergency lines you can use to get in touch with help. They will generally advise you on what to do in your situation. Some may also offer translation services to help you navigate the Japanese healthcare system, but ask if you think you’ll need it.
How can I pick which insurance is right for me? Is it the most expensive one?
Prices alone won’t necessarily tell you if a provider is right for you. The best way to choose is to consider your individual needs. Is there something you really need that only one insurer offers? Or does an insurer come with extra features you’re not going to need? Once you’ve got an insurer in mind, check their reviews and T&Cs and see if they’re the right fit!
I have family members coming to Japan with me. Will they need health insurance, too?
According to the eligibility requirements of the digital nomad visa, your spouse and any children coming with you will also need their own insurance coverage in order to apply for their visas.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
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